Mayor Robert White proclaims April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Greenfield

Under the bright lights of Greenfield's city hall, a powerful proclamation echoed through the chamber as Mayor Robert White and the City Council declared April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This annual observance aims to shine a light on the pervasive issue of sexual violence and to empower communities to take meaningful action.

This year's theme, "Together We Act, United We Change," emphasizes the strength found in collective efforts to foster a safer and more respectful environment for all. The mayor highlighted the importance of education around consent, healthy communication, and bystander intervention as essential tools in preventing violence before it occurs. By equipping individuals with these resources, the city aims to cultivate a culture of respect and care.

The proclamation also underscored the critical need to amplify the voices of survivors, particularly those from vulnerable communities. Their experiences are vital in shaping the city’s approach to combating sexual violence in all its forms. Mayor White stressed that everyone deserves to live in a safe and supportive environment, where respect is paramount.

Statistics shared during the meeting painted a stark picture of the reality many face. Research shows that a significant number of individuals who experience sexual violence know their perpetrators. Alarmingly, over 53 percent of women and more than 29 percent of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence. The statistics further reveal that marginalized groups, including non-Hispanic Black women and American Indian and Alaska Native women, face disproportionately high rates of violence.

As the meeting concluded, the mayor's call to action resonated: "Together we act, united we change." This proclamation serves not only as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against sexual violence but also as a rallying cry for the community to stand in solidarity, working towards a future where everyone is safe, valued, and respected.